U.S. patent application number 15/623060 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-14 for washing machine and method for controlling the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Gihyeong DO, Maengcheol KIM, Youngsoo KIM, Daewook KWAK, Moonsoo SONG.
Application Number | 20170356116 15/623060 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59055090 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170356116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KWAK; Daewook ; et
al. |
December 14, 2017 |
WASHING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME
Abstract
Provided are a washing machine and a method for controlling the
same. The method for controlling a washing machine includes
supplying water to a tub, driving a driving unit to perform
tumbling to rotate a drum disposed in the tub, calculating a water
level variation in the tub, and displaying freeze state information
on a display unit when the calculated water level variation is less
than a reference water level variation.
Inventors: |
KWAK; Daewook; (Seoul,
KR) ; KIM; Youngsoo; (Seoul, KR) ; KIM;
Maengcheol; (Seoul, KR) ; DO; Gihyeong;
(Seoul, KR) ; SONG; Moonsoo; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG Electronics Inc. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
59055090 |
Appl. No.: |
15/623060 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 2202/085 20130101;
D06F 23/02 20130101; D06F 2204/084 20130101; D06F 39/085 20130101;
D06F 2204/10 20130101; D06F 34/28 20200201; D06F 39/088 20130101;
D06F 37/304 20130101; D06F 37/42 20130101; D06F 2202/04 20130101;
D06F 2204/088 20130101; D06F 2204/065 20130101; D06F 2204/04
20130101; D06F 39/087 20130101; D06F 34/22 20200201; D06F 23/06
20130101; D06F 39/045 20130101; D06F 33/00 20130101; D06F 37/38
20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/02 20060101
D06F033/02; D06F 23/02 20060101 D06F023/02; D06F 23/06 20060101
D06F023/06; D06F 39/08 20060101 D06F039/08; D06F 37/38 20060101
D06F037/38; D06F 39/04 20060101 D06F039/04; D06F 37/30 20060101
D06F037/30; D06F 39/00 20060101 D06F039/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 14, 2016 |
KR |
10-2016-0073549 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling a washing machine, the method
comprising: supplying water to a tub; driving a driving unit to
perform tumbling that includes rotating a drum disposed in the tub;
calculating a water level variation in the tub; comparing the
calculated water level variation to a reference water level
variation; based on the comparison, determining whether the
calculated water level variation is less than the reference water
level variation; and displaying freeze state information on a
display unit of the washing machine based on a determination that
the calculated water level variation is less than the reference
water level variation.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein tumbling comprises: rotating the
drum in a first direction; and rotating the drum in a second
direction opposite the first direction.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein tumbling further comprises:
stopping rotating the drum in the first direction; and based on
rotation of the drum being stopped, rotating the drum in the second
direction.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the tumbling comprises: rotating
the drum in a first direction; stopping rotating the drum in the
first direction for a predetermined time; and based on rotation of
the drum being stopped for the predetermined time, rotating the
drum in the first direction.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising measuring a frequency
output from a water level sensor of the washing machine, wherein
calculating includes calculating the water level variation based on
a variation of the measured frequency output from the water level
sensor.
6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising starting
washing based on a determination that the water level variation is
greater than or equal to the reference water level variation.
7. A method for controlling a washing machine, the method
comprising: sensing an internal temperature of a tub; comparing the
sensed internal temperature of the tub to a first reference
temperature; based on the comparison, determining whether the
sensed internal temperature of the tub is greater than or equal to
the first reference temperature; determining a frozen or non-frozen
state of water in the tub (i) by a first determining method based
on a determination that the sensed internal temperature of the tub
is greater than or equal to the first reference temperature or (ii)
by a second determining method based on a determination that the
sensed internal temperature of the tub is less than the first
reference temperature.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first determining method
comprises: supplying water to the tub; driving a driving unit to
perform tumbling that includes rotating a drum disposed in the tub;
calculating a water level variation in the tub; comparing the
calculated water level variation to a reference water level
variation; and based on the comparison, determining the frozen or
non-frozen state of water in the drum.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising displaying freeze
state information on a display unit of the washing machine based on
a determination that the calculated water level variation is less
than the reference water level variation.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the second determining method
comprises sensing a first water level in the tub.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising starting washing
based on a determination that the first water level in the tub is
less than a first reference water level.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the second determining method
further comprises: operating a drainage pump for a predetermined
time based on a determination that the first water level in the tub
is greater than or equal to a first reference water level; and
sensing a second water level in the tub.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising displaying freeze
state information on a display unit of the washing machine based on
a determination that the second water level in the tub is greater
than or equal to a second reference water level.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising starting washing
based on a determination that the second water level in the tub is
less than a second reference water level.
15. The method of claim 7, further comprising: comparing the sensed
internal temperature of the tub to a second reference temperature
lower than the first reference temperature; and based on the
comparison, determining whether the sensed internal temperature of
the tub is less than the second reference temperature.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising displaying freeze
state information on a display unit of the washing machine based on
a determination that the sensed internal temperature of the tub is
less than the second reference temperature.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first reference temperature
is a temperature above zero degrees Celsius, and the second
reference temperature is a temperature below the zero degrees
Celsius.
18. A washing machine comprising: a tub configured to receive
water; a drum located within the tub and configured to receive
laundry; a driving unit configured to rotate the drum; a water
level sensor configured to sense a water level in the tub; and a
control unit configured to control the driving unit and calculate a
water level variation based on the sensed water level, wherein the
control unit is configured to determine a frozen or non-frozen
state of water in the drum based on the water level variation
calculated based on the driving unit rotating the drum for a
predetermined time.
19. The washing machine of claim 18, wherein the control unit is
configured to determine the frozen or non-frozen state based on the
driving unit rotating the drum in a first direction and a second
direction opposite the first direction.
20. The washing machine of claim 18, further comprising a display
unit configured to display freeze state information based on a
determination that the water level variation is less than a
reference water level variation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefits of priority to
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0073549, filed on Jun. 14,
2016, which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine and a
method for controlling the same.
[0003] In general, a washing machine includes a tub which stores
wash water and a drum which is rotatably provided in the tub to
store clothing or the like (hereinafter, referred to as "laundry"),
and washes and spin-dries the laundry according to the rotation of
the drum.
[0004] A washing machine may be classified into a top loading type
washing machine in which a drum rotates around a vertical axis
extending in a vertical direction such that laundry is loaded from
the top of the washing machine, and a front loading type washing
machine in which a drum rotates around a horizontal axis extending
in a horizontal direction such that laundry is loaded from the
front of the washing machine.
[0005] The top loading type washing machine may be largely
classified into an agitator type washing machine and a pulsator
type washing machine. The agitator type washing machine washes
laundry by rotating a washing rod that is vertically erected at a
center of a drum, and the pulsator type washing machine washes
laundry by rotating a drum or a disk-shaped pulsator or drum
disposed under the drum.
[0006] The front loading type washing machine is generally called a
drum washing machine and includes a lifter on an inner peripheral
surface of a drum. The front loading type washing machine performs
washing in such a manner that the lifter lifts and drops laundry as
the drum rotates.
[0007] A washing machine includes a water supply device that
supplies water to a tub, and a water drainage device that drains
wash water after washing, rinsing, and spin-drying.
[0008] In the case of an existing washing machine, since wash water
is frozen in an environment such as winter season in which outdoor
temperature falls below 0 degrees, a water supply device or a water
drainage device may not operate normally.
[0009] In particular, when residual water exists in drainage ports
of the water drainage device and the tub, the residual water may be
frozen. If the residual water is frozen, water may not be drained
out from the drum washing machine.
[0010] If the freeze makes water drainage impossible, a user has to
directly pour hot water into the drum washing machine so as to
unfreeze water. Thus, there is a risk that the user will be
scalded, and the user feels inconvenient.
[0011] Related prior art information is as follows.
[0012] Patent Application Publication Number (Publication Date):
10-2012-0012217 (Feb. 29, 2012)
[0013] Title of the Invention: WASHING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR
CONTROLLING THE SAME
[0014] The prior art document discloses a freeze protection
operation of operating a heater by comparing a set temperature with
a temperature sensed by a temperature sensor.
[0015] However, in a case where a main body of a washing machine is
installed inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the
ground, or a tub is disposed inclined at a predetermined angle with
respect to the ground, if residual water exists in the tub and a
temperature sensor is disposed adjacent to a heater, the
temperature sensor completely sinks under water, but a part of the
heater may not sink under water.
[0016] In this case, if the heater is operated by determining
freeze or non-freeze based on only the temperature sensed by the
temperature sensor as disclosed in the prior art document, a part
of the heater that does not sink under water may be overheated to
cause a fire.
[0017] Therefore, if the freeze or non-freeze is sensed through the
temperature sensor, there is a risk that misjudges the freeze or
non-freeze. This misjudgment may cause erroneous operations.
SUMMARY
[0018] Embodiments provide a washing machine and a method for
controlling the same, capable of accurately sensing freeze or
non-freeze, regardless of a position of a sensor, a structure of a
washing machine, and an installation state of a washing
machine.
[0019] In one embodiment, a washing machine includes: a tub
configured to store water; a drum disposed an inner space of the
tub and configured to store laundry; a driving unit configured to
rotate the drum; a water level sensor configured to sense a water
level in the tub; and a control unit configured to control the
driving unit and calculate a water level variation through the
water level sensed by the water level sensor, wherein the control
unit determines freeze or non-freeze based on the water level
variation in the process of driving the driving unit to rotate the
drum for a predetermined time.
[0020] In another embodiment, a method for controlling a washing
machine includes: supplying water to a tub; driving a driving unit
to perform tumbling to rotate a drum disposed in the tub;
calculating a water level variation in the tub; and displaying
freeze state information on a display unit when the calculated
water level variation is less than a reference water level
variation.
[0021] In further another embodiment, a method for controlling a
washing machine includes: sensing an internal temperature of a tub;
determining whether the sensed internal temperature of the tub is
equal to or greater than a first reference temperature; and
determining freeze or non-freeze by a first freeze/non-freeze
determining method when the sensed internal temperature of the tub
is equal to or greater than the first reference temperature, and
determining freeze or non-freeze by a second freeze/non-freeze
determining method when the sensed internal temperature of the tub
is less than the first reference temperature.
[0022] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine
according to a first embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the
washing machine according to the first embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a freeze/non-freeze determining
method of a washing machine according to a first embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a freeze/non-freeze determining
method of a washing machine according to a second embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a freeze/non-freeze determining
method of a washing machine according to a third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure
will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The
present disclosure, however, may be embodied in various different
forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the
illustrated embodiments herein. Rather, these embodiments are
provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and
complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the
present disclosure to those skilled in the art.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a washing machine
according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram
illustrating the structure of the washing machine according to the
first embodiment.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine 10 according
to the first embodiment includes a case 12 forming an outer
appearance of the washing machine 10, a tub 20 installed in the
inner space of the case 12, a drum 30 installed in the inner space
of the tub 20, and a driving unit 32 rotating the drum 30.
[0031] A door 14 for loading and unloading laundry may be provided
on a front side of the case 12. The door 14 may be mounted to be
rotatable forward. A front loading type washing machine in which
laundry is loaded and unloaded through the front of the case 12 is
illustrated in the present embodiment, but the present disclosure
is not limited thereto.
[0032] Also, a control panel 16 may be provided on the front side
of the case 12. The control panel 16 may include an input unit 16A
receiving a user selection and a display unit 16B displaying an
operation state of the washing machine 10. The display unit 16B may
display information about freeze or non-freeze of the washing
machine 10. The control panel 16 may be provided above the door
14.
[0033] The tub 20 is a water tank that stores wash water and rinse
water. The tub 20 may be configured in a cylindrical shape laid
toward one side. In this case, the tub 20 may be disposed such that
the bottom surface thereof is parallel to the ground or is inclined
at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground. The tub 20 may
be disposed such that an opening thereof is laid toward the door
14.
[0034] The drum 30 is a washing tank that is rotated by the driving
unit 32 so as to wash, rinse, and spin-dry the laundry. The drum 30
may be accommodated in the tub 20, and the outer surface of the
drum 30 may be disposed spaced apart from the inner surface of the
tub 20 by a predetermined distance.
[0035] The drum 30 may be formed in a cylindrical shape such that a
rotation center is parallel to the ground or is laid to be inclined
at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground, so as to
correspond to the tub 20. The front side of the drum 30 may be
opened such that the laundry is loaded and unloaded. A plurality of
water holes for inflow and outflow of water may be formed in the
peripheral surface and the rear surface of the drum 30. Water
inside the tub 20 may pass through the plurality of water holes and
move to the inside/outside of the drum 30.
[0036] The driving unit 32 may include a stator mounted on the rear
surface of the tub 20, a rotor rotating in interaction with the
stator, and a rotational shaft installed in the rotor. The
rotational shaft penetrates the rear side of the tub 20. A front
end of the rotational shaft is coupled to the rear surface of the
drum 30, and a rear end is coupled to the rotational shaft.
[0037] A water supply valve 70 for supplying water to the tub 20
may be coupled to an upper side of the tub 20. The water may be raw
water or wash water in which a detergent is dissolved. The water
supply valve 70 may be provided in plurality according to a type of
supplied water. For example, the water supply valve 70 may include
a hot water valve and a cold water valve.
[0038] Meanwhile, a heater 40 for heating water supplied to the tub
20 and a temperature sensor 42 for sensing an internal temperature
of the tub 20 may be provided in an inner lower portion of the tub
20.
[0039] The heater 40 may be disposed in a space between the inner
surface of the tub 20 and the outer surface of the drum 30. For
example, the heater 40 may be fixed to the rear surface of the tub
20 and installed to extend forward. The heater 40 may be disposed
under the drum 30.
[0040] The temperature sensor 42 may be provided on one side of the
heater 40. The temperature sensor 42 may be installed on the rear
surface of the tub 20 like the heater 40. For example, the
temperature sensor 42 may include a thermistor.
[0041] Meanwhile, a water drainage port 22 for draining water
stored in the tub 20 may be formed in the lower side of the tub 20.
For example, the water drainage port 22 may be formed to penetrate
the lower surface of the tub 20.
[0042] A drainage pump 50 may be provided in a lower portion of the
inner space of the case 12. For example, the drainage pump 50 may
be disposed below the tub 20. The water drained from the tub 20
through the water drainage port 22 is introduced into the drainage
pump 50 through the drainage pipe 52 and is discharged from the
case 12 through a drainage tube 54 by the pumping of the drainage
pump 50.
[0043] The washing machine 10 may further include a water level
detection device 60 for detecting a level of water supplied to the
tub 20.
[0044] The water level detection device 60 may include a water
level sensing pipe 62 coupled to one side of the drainage pipe 52,
an air chamber 63 coupled to the water level sensing pipe 62 and
filled with air providing a pressure according to a level of water
rising in the water level sensing pipe 62, a water level sensing
tube 64 coupled to the air chamber 63, and a water level sensor 66
coupled to the water level sensing tube 64 to sense a water level
by sensing an air pressure in the water level sensing tube 64.
[0045] When water is introduced into the tub 20, water is also
introduced into the air chamber 63. In this case, the water
introduced into the air chamber 63 rises in the air chamber 63 at
the same water level as that of the water of the tub 20.
[0046] Air inside the air chamber 63 is compressed as much as a
volume of the water introduced into the air chamber 63, the
compressed air is transferred to the water level sensor 66 through
the water level sensing tube 64, and the water level sensor 66
senses the water level in the tub 20 according to the pressure of
the transferred air.
[0047] The water level sensor 66 senses the water level in the tub
20 and transfers the sensed water level to the control unit 100.
The water level sensor 66 may output a frequency corresponding to
the pressure of the air transferred through the water level sensing
tube 64. In this case, the frequency output from the water level
sensor 66 may correspond to the water level in the tub 20, which is
measured by the water level sensor 66. Therefore, the frequency
output from the water level sensor 66 to the control unit 100 may
be a frequency corresponding to the water level in the tub 20.
[0048] Also, the washing machine 10 may further include the control
unit 100 for controlling the driving of the washing machine 10 and
sensing the operating state of the washing machine 10.
[0049] The control unit 100 drives at least one of the water supply
valve 70, the drainage pump 50, the driving unit 32, and the heater
40 according to the user selection input through the input unit
16A, and displays the operating state of the washing machine 10 on
the display unit 16B.
[0050] Also, the control unit 100 may sense the operation state of
the washing machine 10 by using at least one of the temperature
sensor 42 and the water level sensor 66, and may drive at least one
of the water supply valve 70, the drainage pump 50, the driving
unit 32, and the heater 40 according to the sensed value. For
example, the control unit 100 may sense the water level in the tub
20 to open the water supply valve 70 or drive the drainage pump
50.
[0051] Also, the control unit 100 may calculate a variation in the
frequency received from the water level sensor 66 and determine a
water level variation in the tub 20.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a freeze/non-freeze determining
method of a washing machine according to a first embodiment.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 3, when power is turned on, the washing
machine according to an embodiment supplies a predetermined amount
of water to the tub 20 (S1).
[0054] In this case, before water is supplied to the tub 20, the
washing machine may sense an amount of laundry stored in the drum
30. Then, an amount of water corresponding to the sensed amount of
laundry may be supplied to the tub 20.
[0055] The control unit 100 opens the water supply valve 70 to
supply water to the tub 20, and closes the water supply valve 70
after a predetermined time.
[0056] Also, the control unit 100 may display the amount of the
supplied water on the display unit 16B. That is, after the water
level is sensed through the water level sensor 66, the control unit
100 may display the sensed water level on the display unit 16B.
[0057] However, when the water level in the tub 20, which is sensed
through the water level sensor 66 after the water supply is
completed, is lower than a reference water level or less than a
variation for determining that a water level variation during the
water supply operation is a normal water supply.
[0058] When the water supply is completed in operation S1, the
control unit 100 drives the driving unit 32 to rotate the drum 30
(S2).
[0059] The drum 30 may be rotated in one direction or the other
direction according to a driving direction of the driving unit 32.
As one example, the drum 30 may be rotated in one direction and
then rotated in the other direction. As another example, the drum
30 may be rotated in one direction for a first reference time, be
stopped for a second reference time, and be rotated in the other
direction for the first reference time. In this case, the first
reference time may be equal to or different from the second
reference time.
[0060] As another example, the drum 30 may be rotated in one
direction for a first reference time, be stopped for a second
reference time, and be rotated in the other direction for a third
reference time that is different from the first reference time.
[0061] In the present embodiment, it has been described that the
drum 30 is rotated in the two directions, but the present
disclosure is not limited thereto. The drum 30 may be rotated in
only one direction. That is, the drum 30 may be rotated in one
direction for a first reference time, be stopped for a second
reference time, and be rotated again in one direction for the first
reference time.
[0062] Rotating the drum 30 in a constant pattern as described
above may be referred to as tumbling.
[0063] In the tumbling operation of the drum 30, the control unit
100 may determine the water level based on information about air
pressure sensed by the water level sensor 66, and calculate a water
level variation (S3).
[0064] In the tumbling operation of the drum 30, since the drum 30
is rotated as long as the water drainage port is not frozen, the
amount of water in the air chamber 63 is changed. Accordingly, the
air pressure in the water level sensing tube 64 may be changed, and
thus, the control unit 100 may calculate the water level
variation.
[0065] The water level variation may be calculated as the variation
in the frequency output from the water level sensor 66 for a
predetermined time when the drum 30 is tumbled.
[0066] However, in the tumbling operation of the drum 30, the water
must not be discharged through the water drainage port 22. For
example, in the tumbling operation of the drum 30, the drainage
pump 50 must be in a non-operating state. The water level variation
is not the measurement of the water level variation according to
water drainage, but is for measuring the water level variation
according to the tumbling of the drum 30. Therefore, the water in
the tub 20 must be constantly maintained.
[0067] The control unit 100 compares the water level variation
calculated in operation S3 with a reference water level variation
(S4).
[0068] When the water level variation is equal to or greater than
the reference water level variation, it may be determined that the
water drainage port 22 is not frozen. On the other hand, when the
water level variation is less than the reference water level
variation, it may be determined that ice exists in the water
drainage port 22. That is, it may be determined that the water
drainage port 22 has been frozen.
[0069] In this case, the reference water level variation may be
understood as a frequency variation of the water level sensor 66.
The reference water level variation may be differently set
according to the size of the tub, the amount of water in the tub,
the diameter of the air tub, or the like.
[0070] When it is determined in operation S4 that the water level
variation is equal to or greater than the reference water level
variation, it is determined that the water drainage port 22 is not
frozen, and the washing is started (S6). In the present disclosure,
the starting of the washing may mean that a washing cycle is
actually performed for washing the laundry. Although limited in the
washing cycle, the heater 40 may be operated and thus the wash
water in the tub 20 may be heated.
[0071] When it is determined that ice does not exist in the water
drainage port 22, the wash water may be normally drained through
the water drainage port 22 during the operation of the drainage
pump 50, and thus, the washing machine 10 may be normally
operated.
[0072] On the other hand, when it is determined in operation S4
that the water level variation is less than the reference water
level variation, the control unit 100 controls the display unit 16B
to display freeze state information (S5).
[0073] Even when ice exists in the water drainage port 22, if a
passage capable of coupling the inside of the tub 20 and the water
level sensing pipe 62 is present in the water drainage port 22,
water may be supplied to the water level sensing pipe 62 during the
water supply operation. Thus, the water level may be determined as
a normal water level.
[0074] However, in the tumbling operation of the drum 30, as the
passage is narrower, an amount of water flowing between the tub 20
and the water level sensing pipe 62 is small, and thus, the water
level variation may be less than the reference water level
variation.
[0075] Therefore, in the present disclosure, the case where the
freeze state information is displayed includes not only a case
where the water drainage port 22 is completely frozen but also a
case where ice exists in the water drainage port 22 to the extent
that the water level variation during the tumbling operation of the
drum 30 is less than the reference water level variation.
[0076] When the water level variation during the tumbling operation
of the drum 30 is less than the reference water level variation,
the wash water in the drum 30 cannot be normally drained through
the water drainage port 22 even when the drainage pump 50 is
operated. Therefore, the freeze state information is displayed on
the display unit 16B.
[0077] In the present embodiment, the freeze or non-freeze is
determined by only the water level variation in the tub 20, without
using the temperature sensor. Thus, the freeze or non-freeze may be
accurately determined, regardless of the installation position of
the washing machine and the position of the sensor.
[0078] Also, since the freeze or non-freeze can be determined in
advance before the washing cycle is performed, it is possible to
prevent the washing machine from being stopped during the draining
operation after the washing cycle.
[0079] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure
will be described.
[0080] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a freeze/non-freeze determining
method of a washing machine according to a second embodiment.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 4, when the driving of the washing machine
is started, the internal temperature of the tub 20 is sensed by
using the temperature sensor 42 (S10).
[0082] When the temperature sensed in operation S10 is equal to or
greater than a first temperature, the same control method as in the
first embodiment may be performed. That is, water is supplied to
the tub 20 (S30), the drum 30 is tumbled (S40), the water level in
the tub 20 is sensed (S50), and the freeze state information is
displayed on the display unit 16B (S70) or washing is started (S80)
according to the sensed water level variation (S60). In this case,
since the drainage pump 50 is in a stopped state, the water level
variation sensed by the water level sensor 66 may be changed
according to the freeze or non-freeze of the water drainage port
22.
[0083] In the present embodiment, the freeze/non-freeze determining
method used when the sensed temperature is equal to or greater than
the first temperature may be referred to as a first
freeze/non-freeze determining method.
[0084] On the other hand, when the temperature sensed in operation
S10 is less than the first temperature, the water level is sensed
(S90).
[0085] In the present disclosure, although the first temperature is
not limited, the first temperature may be three degrees above
zero.
[0086] The control unit 100 determines whether the water level
sensed in operation S90 is equal to or greater than a first water
level (S100). In this case, the first water level may be a water
level lower than the lowermost portion of the water drainage port
22. That is, the case where the sensed water level is equal to or
greater than the first water level is a case where water exists in
the tub 20 and the water drainage port 22, and the case where the
sensed water level is less than the first water level is a case
where water does not exist in the tub 20 and the water drainage
port 22.
[0087] When the water level sensed in operation S100 is less than
the first water level, water may be supplied to the tub 20 (S110)
and the washing may be performed (S80).
[0088] Since the case where the sensed water level is less than the
first water level is a case where residual water does not exist in
the tub 20 and the water drainage port 22, the water drainage port
22 is determined as not being frozen, and thus, the washing may be
normally performed.
[0089] On the other hand, when the water level sensed in operation
S100 is equal to or greater than the first water level, the control
unit 100 drives the drainage pump 50 for a set time (S120,
S130).
[0090] The reason why the drainage pump 50 is driven when the
sensed water level is equal to or greater than the first water
level is that it is likely that residual water existing in the tub
20 and the water drainage port 22 will be frozen when the
temperature is lower than the first reference temperature, that is,
3 degrees above zero. Therefore, the drainage pump 50 may be driven
for determining the freeze or non-freeze.
[0091] After the set time has elapsed in operation S130, the
control unit 100 re-senses the water level and determines whether
the re-sensed water level is equal to or greater than a second
water level (S140, S150).
[0092] When the water level re-sensed in operation S150 is equal to
or greater than the second water level, the control unit 100
displays freeze state information on the display unit 160B. Since
it is in a state in which the water cannot be drained by the
driving of the drainage pump 50, this is done for preventing the
washing from being started.
[0093] On the other hand, when the water level re-sensed in
operation S150 is less than the second water level, water is
supplied to the tub 20 (S110) and the washing is started (S80).
[0094] In this case, since the water is normally drained by the
driving of the drainage pump 50, it is determined as the non-freeze
state, and thus, the washing may be started.
[0095] In this case, the second water level may be equal to or
lower than the first water level. However, the present disclosure
is not limited thereto, and the second water level may be higher
than the first water level.
[0096] In the present embodiment, the freeze/non-freeze determining
method used when the sensed temperature is less than the first
temperature may be referred to as a second freeze/non-freeze
determining method.
[0097] In the present embodiment, the freeze/non-freeze determining
method may be different according to the internal temperature of
the tub 20. That is, when the internal temperature of the tub 20 is
less than the first temperature, "water level" is sensed and the
freeze or non-freeze is determined, and when the internal
temperature of the tub 20 is equal to or greater than the first
temperature, "water level variation" according to the tumbling of
the drum 30 is sensed and the freeze or non-freeze is
determined.
[0098] Even when the internal temperature of the tub 20 is equal to
or greater than three degrees above zero, ice may exist in the
water drainage port 22 in some cases. Therefore, the freeze or
non-freeze may be determined through the water level variation
caused by the tumbling of the drum 30.
[0099] On the other hand, when the internal temperature of the tub
20 is less than three degrees above zero, it is highly likely that
ice will exist in the tub 20, and thus, the freeze or non-freeze
may be determined by using the water level.
[0100] Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present disclosure
will be described.
[0101] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a freeze/non-freeze determining
method of a washing machine according to a third embodiment.
[0102] Referring to FIG. 5, the control unit 100 according to the
present embodiment determines whether the temperature sensed in
operation S10 is equal to or greater than a second temperature
(S12).
[0103] When it is determined in operation S12 that the internal
temperature of the tub 20 is equal to or greater than the second
temperature, the freeze or non-freeze may be determined by using
the same freeze/non-freeze determining method as in the second
embodiment.
[0104] On the other hand, when it is determined in operation S12
that the internal temperature of the tub 20 is less than the second
temperature, the control unit 100 controls the display unit 16B to
display freeze state information (S14).
[0105] For example, the second temperature may be lower than the
first temperature described in the third embodiment. In the present
embodiment, the internal temperature of the tub 20 is divided into
three different ranges and the freeze or non-freeze is determined
by different methods.
[0106] For example, the first temperature may be three degrees
above zero, and the second temperature may be ten degrees below
zero.
[0107] When the sensed temperature is less than the second
temperature, the freeze state information is immediately displayed
on the display unit 16B, regardless of the water level. On the
other hand, when the sensed temperature is equal to or greater than
the second temperature and less than the first temperature, it is
determined as freeze through the sensing of the water level if the
water level does not change for a predetermined time. When the
sensed temperature is equal to or greater than the first
temperature, the freeze or non-freeze is determined by measuring
the water level variation through the tumbling of the drum.
[0108] As described above, if different freeze/non-freeze
determining methods are used according to the temperature, the
freeze or non-freeze may be more accurately determined, as compared
with the case where the freeze or non-freeze is determined by using
the temperature alone.
[0109] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *